1. Rhode Island was the first colony to establish the principle of religious freedom, enshrining it in its State Constitution in 1842. This was a groundbreaking move that set the stage for the separation of church and state in America.

2. On February 5, 1885, Rhode Island became the first state to raise the age of consent from 10 to 16. This was a progressive move that came decades before other states would follow suit.

3. In 1778, Rhode Island played a critical role in the American Revolution by resisting the British Navy and Army during the Battle of Rhode Island. Despite being outnumbered, the Continental Army and French Allies were able to hold off the British forces and avoid a major defeat.

4. On February 5, 1918, Rhode Island ratified the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. The state's Prohibition era lasted 13 years, until it was repealed in 1933.

5. In 1963, Providence, Rhode Island was the site of a major political scandal when city officials were indicted on charges of bribery and corruption. The investigation, known as the Providence Scandal, led to the imprisonment of several high-ranking officials and inspired reforms in the city's government.